Okaka’s Quarterfinal Loss Ends Kenya’s World Boxing Bid in Dubai
Kenyan boxer Robert Okaka’s run at the 2025 IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships came to an end on Thursday, December 12, 2025, in Dubai, UAE, when he was defeated in the light heavyweight quarterfinals by Russia’s Bizhamov Dzhambulat, extinguishing Kenya’s medal hopes at the global tournament after his spirited campaign.
Okaka’s defeat marked the final exit for the Kenyan ‘Hit Squad’, who left the championship without a podium finish, but with valuable experience gained against world-class opposition.
Okaka Battles Through but Meets Russian Precision
Okaka, known as “One Man Ngori,” reached the quarterfinals after a powerful Round of 16 stoppage against Tunisia’s Rafrafi Youssef, where he displayed both ferocity and tactical sharpness to force a referee stoppage in the third round.
However, in Dubai’s quarterfinal showdown against Dzhambulat, Okaka struggled to impose his rhythm as the Russian applied disciplined combinations and positional control. By the third round, Dzhambulat’s balanced approach muted much of Okaka’s aggression, leading to a unanimous decision that halted Kenya’s progress.
Coach Musa Highlights Growth Despite Defeat
At ringside, Hit Squad head coach Benjamin Musa stressed the broader value of the championship for his young team.
“We came with a young squad, and they fought with everything they had,” Musa said. “The level here is unforgiving, but the boys never stopped believing.”
Musa added that the experience in Dubai highlighted key areas for development. “This championship exposed the areas we must tighten — punch volume, tactical maturity and endurance,” he said. “No fight here is wasted. Every bout matures a boxer.”
Mixed Performances Highlight Team Effort
Although Okaka’s run stole headlines, other members of the Hit Squad also showed promise. Light welterweight Caleb Wandera delivered one of Kenya’s more polished efforts, narrowly falling by split decision to Argentina’s Villaba Lucas. Musa praised his composure and ring IQ in defeat.
Musa also acknowledged the performances of debutants such as Kelvin Miana, who lost to Kazakhstan’s Sabit Daniyal but demonstrated grit against a seasoned opponent. “Miana came out swinging — he didn’t fear the moment,” Musa noted.
Kenya Looks Ahead After Strong Showing
Although Kenya departs Dubai without medals, reaching the quarterfinal stage in a stacked world field represents the nation’s strongest run in more than four decades and a clear sign of progress at the elite amateur level.
“Kenya’s boxers stepped into tough fights and held their nerve,” said team captain Boniface Mugunde, reflecting on the collective effort. “We kept the Kenyan fighting spirit alive every night.”
Kenya now hopes to build on this experience as it eyes future international competitions, reinforcing the importance of exposure to world-class opposition and sustained tactical growth.